:PROPERTIES: :ID: 5b22e498-ced9-4b55-8ed2-0a0644e38913 :mtime: 20240111182323 :ctime: 20240111182314 :END: #+title: History of the Orthodox Church #+filetags: :public:project: * Acts of the Apostles (33AD - 61AD) The apostles spread the message of Jesus Christ to different areas. Saint Thomas travels to India. Saint Mark travels to Africa. * Age of the Martyrs (61AD - 313AD) After the Acts of the Apostles, comes the Age of the Martyrs ** Romain Persecution In 61AD, Emperor Nero executed most of the apostoles. Saints Peter and Paul died in the Neronian persecution. The worst persecution was under Emperor Diocletian in 303AD. Why did these persecutions happen? Jesus Christ said: #+BEGIN_QUOTE For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God. This is because they have never known the Father or me. (John 16:1-4) #+END_QUOTE The reason that Christians were persecuted is that they were seen as disloyal to the state, because they refused to participate in the cult of emperor worship. ** Jewish Persecution The Jews were the first persecuters of Christians. The Jews killed Saint Stephen. The Age of the Martyrs ends in 313AD with the Edict of Milan.